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It's difficult to avoid the holiday hype with carols, gifts, greeting cards, Christmas tree and menorah lighting ceremonies and the other hullabaloo that fills our calendars. Black Friday came and went, kicking off your shopping spree for friends and family. But what about the less fortunate? Who's lifting their spirits during the holidays?

That's where you step in. There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin.

Tacoma Community House

1314 S. L St., Tacoma, 253.383.3951

A walk down the main hallway of Tacoma Community House reveals a peek into the history of the 100-year-old nonprofit organization.

Black and white photos, numerous awards and plaques line the walls, detailing how Tacoma Community House has grown and evolved over the years to fit the needs of the community.

While the buildings and surrounding city blocks have changed throughout that time, the mission has stayed the same: provide education, employment, interpretation, immigration and social services for refugees, immigrants, and English speaking adults and youth.

"We look at ourselves as a one-stop multi service agency," said communications officer Derrick Rhayn. "You can pretty much come here and get help with anything."

Last year Tacoma Community House served people living in the South Sound who came to the area from 83 different countries, whether it was helping them learn English, navigate the citizenship process, find a job, or provide links and resources for housing or childcare.

"The entire world is reflected in the population we serve," Rhayn said.

The organization offers the same services to those who were born in the area, working with four local school districts to provide mentoring and career coaching to students who face challenges that might prevent them from graduating.

"Most all the people we serve are low income," Rhayn said. "They face certain barriers and usually don't have positive role models in their lives."

Tacoma Community House also provides employment programs for those who want to improve their situation. It offers computer classes that can help people search for jobs and compose a resume as well as pre-employment training and job placement services.

Although the economy has strained some business and forced them to curb their hiring practices, TCH employment case managers and job developers provided more than 1,800 participants with jobs last year. TCH has placed people in jobs with more than 140 local employers, and employers often contact the organization looking for people who want to work, Rhayn said.

"I look at us more as a network," he said.

LINK: Donate to the Tacoma Community House

LINK: Current Tacoma Community House volunteer opportunities